The 69 year old came to the attention of police last year after a man came forward claiming to have been assaulted as a child during a school trip approximately 35 years ago.

An investigation was immediately launched by the Metropolitan Police Service's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, which led to three more victims being identified, all of whom were between 7 to 10 years of age at the time.

All five assaults had taken place on the four boys between 1976 and 1985.

Dowsing was arrested at his home on 9 April 2013. During a search officers found a large quantity of indecent images of children on his computer.

He has been sentenced to four years in prison. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Officers believe it is possible that there may be more victims out there and are urging them to make contact.

Detective Constable Kate McDuff said: "This is a historical case going back nearly forty years, where Dowsing used his position of trust as a deputy head teacher to abuse vulnerable children over a nine year period.

"We commend the actions of all four brave victims who have come forward to report Dowsing's sickening actions. We take all allegations of child abuse and sexual assault extremely seriously regardless of how long ago the offences took place.

"Dowsing is known to have worked with a number of children's clubs and charities in the London area and there may be further victims of his abuse who we would urge to come forward and speak to us."

Anyone who may have been affected by actions of Anthony Dowsing is urged to contact the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command at Northwood police station on 020 8246 1901.